How to Grow a Japanese Maple Tree in Canada

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How to Grow a Japanese Maple Tree in Canada

Overview

Japanese maples thrive best when grown in USDA planting zones 5 to 8. In Canada, this includes the coast of British Columbia, southern Ontario and the eastern-most provinces, along the coastline. Typically, a Japanese maple will grow six to 25 feet in height, with the average height being 10 feet. Japanese maples are best known for their wide-spread canopy, which turns a deep, red color during the late summer and fall.

Step 1

Choose a planting area. Japanese maples grow best in areas that receive partial to full sun.

Step 2

Test the pH of your soil. Soil that is slightly acidic, with a pH of 3.7 to 6.5, is ideal for this tree. To lower the pH of your soil, add a 3- to 4-inch-thick layer compost or a nitrogen-rich fertilizer and incorporate it into the soil.

Step 3

Amend clay soil. The roots of the Japanese Maple prefer loamy, but organically rich, soil. If you have clay soil, pour a 3- to 4-inch-thick layer of organic matter, such as compost, over your soil. Incorporate the organic matter into the clay soil. Pour a 3- to 4-inch-thick layer of coarse sand over the soil and mix in well.

Step 4

Dig the hole. The hole for your Japanese Maple should be the depth of four times the width of your sapling. Place the sapling into the middle of the hole.

Step 5

Fill the hole with soil. Return 50 to 70 percent of the soil you dug out back into the hole. Fill the remainder of the hole with a loose potting soil or mulch.

Step 6

Water the sapling. Immediately after planting, water the Japanese Maple thoroughly to compact the soil and help the roots adjust to their new surroundings.

Tips and Warnings

The foliage from Japanese Maples, planted from seeds, usually does not turn a vibrant red during the summer and fall months.
If you have added compost or nitrogen-rich fertilizer to your soil, in order to lower its pH, you do not need to add more if amending clay soil as well.

Things You'll Need

Shovel

Potting soil

Japanese maple sapling

Mulch

Water

References

Agr.gc.ca: Planting Zones in Canada

TreeHelp.com: Japanese Maple Facts

PacificCoastMaples.com: Planting Japanese Maples

Who Can Help

Japanese Maple Care Tips

Amending Clay Soil

Keywords:
Japanese Maple, potting soil, planting zones in Canada

About this Author

Sophia Darby is a former professional hairstylist who has spent the last six years writing hair-related articles for both online and print publications. Her work has appeared in Celebrity Hairstyles Magazine, as well as multiple websites.